Easy Change Display Frame

ABSTRACT

A display frame ( 1 ) has a front panel ( 2 ), a back or rear panel ( 3 ) and an artwork pocket ( 5 ) between the back and front panels. The front panel provides a border around an opening or window ( 7 ) to the artwork pocket ( 5 ). A slot ( 6 ) in an edge of the frame receives artwork into or allows artwork to be removed from the frame. A locking or cover panel ( 10 ) fits over or into the slot to close the artwork pocket ( 5 ). The frame can include an intermediate panel ( 4 ) between the front and back panels. The locking panel ( 10 ) can be retained in the slot by at least one locking mechanism such as locking tab ( 12 ) or ( 24 ). The locking panel ( 10 ) can be hooked into or onto the intermediate panel at one end of the slot ( 6 ) and then clipped into position by one or more locking tabs. One or more detent clips ( 50 ), can correspond with detent clip sockets or recesses ( 52 ) in the edges of the slot. Each detent clip ( 50 ) can have an arc shaped member in an end of the locking panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to display frames and inparticular to display frames allowing easy and quick change of displayedartwork such as certificates, photographs, drawings, signs, documents,posters and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are known many different types of display frames allowing thedisplayed artwork to be changed. Many of them permit the backboard andartwork to be removed out of the back of the frame. However thesegenerally use at least six (but usually more) bending or rotatingdevices to secure the backboard into the frame. Alternatively somedisplay frames allow the four edge members of the frame to bedisconnected so that the backboard, artwork, mount and/or glazing can bedisassembled and reassembled. Both of these types of display frame makethe process of changing the artwork time consuming and requiresignificant manual dexterity.

Other display frames allow the artwork to be changed by sliding thefront and back of the frame apart, or by sliding the artwork into apocket in the frame. Typically the assembly does not provide securelocation of the artwork and/or has one of the four sides of the borderof the artwork moveable relative to the other three sides which canleave visible shut lines when assembled, detracting from thepresentation of the artwork.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a display frame allowing easychange of the artwork using a simple to operate mechanism located behindthe front of the display frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a displayframe including at least a back panel, a front panel and an artworkpocket formed between the back panel and the front panel, the frontpanel providing a border around an opening or window to the artworkpocket, wherein there is provided a slot disposed in an edge of theframe to permit artwork to be slid into and out of the artwork pocket,and there is provided a locking panel which covers of fits into the slotto close the artwork pocket.

The frame may comprise at least three layers, including a front layerincluding the front panel, an intermediate layer and a back layerincluding the back panel. The intermediate layer may include a locatingpanel providing three edges of the artwork pocket and the intermediatelayer may further include the locking panel providing a fourth edge ofthe artwork pocket.

Additionally, or alternatively, the front panel and back panel may bedirectly or indirectly fixed to each other forming a main body of thedisplay frame. For example there could be a back panel including theshape of the intermediate panel moulded in a single piece, with thefront bonded, clipped of otherwise attached to the back panel. Or thefront panel, back panel and intermediate panel features may all bemoulded as a single piece. Or the front panel, back panel andintermediate panel may be bonded clipped or otherwise fixed together.Where provided the intermediate panel is positioned between the at leastone front panel, and the at least one back panel.

Shapes and/or text characters may be cut into the border and/or extendinto the opening or window of the front panel. This permits the frontpanel to be customised while the other components including the lockingpanel remain commonised.

The display frame may further include at least one additional frontpanel. This can provide border effects such as a mount and frame,especially where the at least one addition front panel is of at leastone different colour.

Whether the display panel includes only a back panel and a front panel,or also has an intermediate panel and/or multiple front panels, some oreach of the panels can have different colours. When assembled, the sideof the display frame can then show colours to suit a particular themesuch as a corporate or team colour scheme. If the front panel includesshapes text or characters cut into the border or extending into theopening or window portion, a different colour from the panel beneath canbe revealed.

The display frame may include at least one locking means or retainingmeans between at least a first end of the locking panel and a first endof the slot in the main body. The or each locking or retaining means mayinclude a locking tab slidably located in an edge of the slot orslidably located in the locking panel, the or each said locking tabbeing slidable between a first position in which the locking tab isengaged in only an edge of the slot or the locking panel and a secondposition in which the locking tab is engaged in both an edge of the slotand the locking panel. The locking tab may be spring-loaded using aspring or other resilient means such as a resiliently deformable portionof the slot or the locking panel. Alternatively the locking tab may bemanually actuated, for example using friction to restrain free oruncontrolled motions of the locking tab. Alternatively, the or eachlocking means may include a detent protrusion (formed or cut) on an edgeof the locking panel and a deflecting arm including a detent socket(formed or cut) in the edge of the slot, the deflecting arm beingresiliently deformable to enable deflection of the detent protrusion asthe locking panel is fitted into the slot, the deflection of the detentprotrusion being reduced or eliminated when the detent means is alignedwith the detent socket and the locking panel is inserted into anassembled position in the slot. Alternatively, the or each locking meansmay include a detent protrusion (formed or cut) on an edge of thelocking panel and a deflecting arm including a detent socket formed orcut into an edge of the slot, the deflecting arm being resilientlydeformable to enable deflection of the detent socket as the lockingpanel is fitted into the slot, the deflection of the deflecting armbeing reduced or eliminated when the detent protrusion is aligned withthe detent socket and the locking panel is inserted into an assembledposition in the slot.

The at least one locking means or retaining means may be a locking orretaining means between the first end of the locking panel and the firstend of the slot in the main body and there may be provided a locatingmeans between a second end of the locking panel and a second end of theslot in the main body. The second edge of the locking panel is ideallysubstantially opposite the first edge of the locking panel. The locatingmeans can for example be a feature to allow the second edge of thelocking panel to be engaged or hooked into the second edge of the slot,then rotated and/or slid into an assembled position in the slot wherethe locking means can lock the first edge of the locking panel to thefirst edge of the slot. The locking and locating means may therebytogether contribute to the location of the locking panel in the slot.Alternatively, the at least one locking means or retaining means mayinclude a first locking or retaining means between the first end of thelocking panel and the first end of the slot in the main body and asecond locking or retaining means between a second end of the lockingpanel and a second end of the slot in the main body.

At least one access hole may be provided in the back panel for eachlocking means, each respective access hole allowing the respectivelocking means to be operated. Similarly, at least one access hole may beprovided in the back panel for the locking panel, the or each respectiveaccess hole allowing the locking panel to be moved within the slot,especially ejected or moved outwards from the main body of the frame.

There may be provided at least one ejection means, the ejection meansbeing resiliently deformable to enable deflection of the ejection meansas the locking panel is fitted into the slot such that when the lockingpanel is inserted into an assembled position in the slot, the ejectionmeans has a deflection providing a stored force to help eject thelocking panel and when the locking panel is removed from the slot, theejection means has substantially zero deflection.

The deflection of the or each deflecting arm and/or ejection means maybe limited. This can be done by designing in a stop or limited space fordeflection, particularly where a cut or void forming the deflectingfeature is made. Limiting the magnitude of deflection can beadvantageous to prevent for example yield or failure of the detent meansand/or the ejection means.

The slot may be provided with smooth shaped edges (including the detentsocket where present) to avoid interference with artwork being slid intoor out of the artwork pocket.

The display frame may further include an at least partially transparentinsert covering artwork in the artwork pocket. The transparent insertmay be removable from the artwork pocket through the slot when thelocking panel is removed (the locking panel may retain both thetransparent insert and the artwork when fitted). Alternatively, thetransparent insert may be fixed to or may form an integral part of thelocking panel.

The transparent insert may include a ridge along a side opposite a sideof the transparent insert adjacent, fixed to or integral with thelocking panel, said ridge extending towards the back panel. The ridgecan help ensure any artwork in the pocket is withdrawn with the insert.Alternatively, the transparent insert may be a tray or cartridge forreceiving artwork.

The display frame may further include a chamfer on at least one outeredge of the slot.

The display frame may further include a secondary display panel tosupport secondary artwork, the secondary display panel being moveablebetween a concealed position where the secondary artwork is at leastsubstantially concealed and a revealed position where the secondaryartwork is at least substantially revealed. Ideally detent means areprovided to help hold the secondary display panel in at least theconcealed position. The secondary artwork can for example be textexplaining the background of any artwork displayed in the artworkpocket.

The front panel may include a transparent portion inside the border.This may form a glazing over the artwork in addition to or in place ofthe transparent insert.

The back panel may include a window portion, the back panel forming aborder panel around a reverse side of at least a portion of the artworkpocket. The window portion may include or be formed from a transparentmaterial, or may be an opening, with the transparent insert preferablythen including two transparent panels with a gap in between for theartwork, forming an artwork cartridge.

As discussed above, the display frame may include at least oneadditional front panel. Where multiple front panels are provided theycan be layered to provide border effects such as a mount and framearound the artwork, or shapes or text in relief to make them stand out,particularly when different coloured panels are used.

Alternatively, shapes and/or text characters may be cut into the borderand/or extend into the opening of the front panel.

The display frame may further include, of be provided with a base havinga slot or recess to receive a lower end of at least the back paneland/or front panel of the display frame (to provide a free-standingdisplay holder).

The back panel may include at least one hanging hole to receive a devicefor hanging the display frame.

Where the display frame includes an intermediate panel, the back panelmay include at least one hanging hole and the intermediate panel mayinclude at least one hole or recess in an area corresponding to the atleast one hanging hole. Said hole or recess may receive an end of adevice for hanging the display frame, such as a portion of a hook orhead of a nail or screw.

An alternative form of the present invention provides a frame fordisplaying artwork, the frame including a front border, a backplate, apocket to receive the artwork between the front border and the backplate, and a slot disposed in an edge of the frame, the slot beingsubstantially aligned with the pocket such that the slot provides accessto change the artwork in the pocket. There may be provided a lockingplate received in the slot, the locking plate covering or closing thepocket to retain any artwork contained therein. The locking plate may beretained in the slot by a detent mechanism.

The frame may further include at least one hole in the back plate toenable operation of the detent mechanism. Alternatively or additionally,the frame may further include holes in the locking plate, and furtherincluding holes in the backplate partially aligned with the holes in thelocking plate and extending towards an edge of the frame to enable thelocking tab to be ejected from the slot.

The frame may further include a transparent insert covering artwork inthe artwork pocket.

The transparent insert may be removable from the artwork pocket throughthe slot when the locking panel is removed. Alternatively, thetransparent insert may be fixed to or form an integral part of thelocking panel.

The transparent insert may be accessible through a hole in the frontborder to enable an external force to be applied to the transparentinsert in the direction of the slot to thereby enable the locking plateto be ejected from the slot.

The detent mechanism may include at least one detent means, the or eachdetent means including a detent socket formed or cut into an edge of theslot and a deflecting arm including a detent protrusion formed or cutinto the locking panel, the deflecting arm being resiliently deformableto enable deflection of the detent means as the locking panel is fittedinto the slot, the deflection of the deflecting arm being reduced oreliminated when the detent protrusion is aligned with the detent socketand the locking panel is inserted into an assembled position in theslot. Alternatively, the detent mechanism may include at least onedetent means, the or each detent means including a detent protrusionformed or cut into the locking panel and deflecting arm including adetent socket formed or cut into the edge of the slot, the deflectingarm being resiliently deformable to enable deflection of the detentsocket as the locking panel is fitted into the slot, the deflection ofthe deflecting arm being reduced or eliminated when the detentprotrusion is aligned with the detent socket and the locking panel isinserted into an assembled position in the slot. In either case, thedeflection may be limited.

Edges of the slot including the detent socket, may be relatively smoothsuch that they tend not to protrude into a path followed by artworkbeing placed in or removed from the artwork pocket.

The detent mechanism may be provided by a detent means between a firstend of the locking panel and a first end of the slot in the main body inwhich case there may be provided a locating means between a second endof the locking panel and a second end of the slot in the main body.Alternatively, the detent mechanism may include a first detent meansbetween a first end of the locking panel and a first end of the slot inthe main body and a second detent means between a second end of thelocking panel and a second end of the slot in the main body.

The back panel may include a window portion, the back panel forming aborder panel around a reverse side of the artwork.

The invention will be more readily understood from the followingdescription of a number of specific constructions of frames or displayframe incorporating one or more features of the invention, and asillustrated in the accompanying drawings. Other arrangements orembodiments are possible, so the provision of the accompanying drawingsand the following description thereof should not be taken to limit thescope of the above description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display frame.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an intermediate panel and a locking panel ofthe display frame.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a locking panel assembled in an intermediatepanel of the display frame.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a back panel of the display frame.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternate locking panel and intermediatepanel, the locking panel being assembled in the intermediate panel.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a back panel to suit the alternate lockingpanel and intermediate panel of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a modification to the alternate locking paneland intermediate panel of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a further alternative locking panel andintermediate panel.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a transparent insert.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternate and/or additional front panel ofthe display frame.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a one-piece alternate back panel andintermediate panel.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a modification to the intermediate panelhaving two artwork pockets.

FIG. 13 is a front view of an intermediate panel and locking panel withmodified locking, retaining or detent mechanism.

FIG. 14 is a front view of panels for a frame having a modified outerprofile.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a display frame 1, havinga front panel 2 and a back panel 3 spaced apart by an intermediate panel4. The intermediate panel 4 has a hole 5 into which artwork can beinserted for display. Three edges of the hole can be used to locateartwork inserted into the hole or artwork pocket. The artwork can becertificates, photographs, drawings, signs, documents, posters and thelike, or any other article that can fit in the artwork pocket formed bythe intermediate panel between the front and back panels. The hole orartwork pocket in the intermediate panel is open on a fourth sideforming a slot extending through a side of the frame, the slot providingaccess to insert and remove artwork.

The front panel 2 includes a hole or window portion 7 approximatelyaligned with the artwork pocket to permit viewing of the artwork pocket.As shown in FIG. 1 the hole forming the window portion 7 in the frontpanel is typically aligned with the hole forming the artwork pocket 5,but is preferably slightly smaller to provide a lip to retain insertedartwork. The window portion 7 can be any shape and can be positioned toreveal only a particular area of the artwork, or multiple windows can beprovided to reveal different areas of the artwork. For example theartwork can be a print of a painting with a border and a box ofinformation printed in the centre of the lower border, then a largewindow portion can be provided to allow the painting to be viewed and asmaller window portion can be provided to reveal part or all of theinformation box.

The front panel, intermediate panel and back panel can be of differentcolours, for example to match a corporate or team colour scheme.

FIG. 2 shows the intermediate panel 4 of the display frame. The holeforming the artwork pocket 5 together with the slot 6 can give theintermediate panel a U- or C-shape. A locking panel 10 is also shown inFIG. 2. The locking panel is provided to close or fill the slot tosecurely locate any inserted artwork or prevent artwork from sliding outof the slot once inserted. The locking panel 10 can be retained in theslot by at least one locking mechanism such as locking tab 12 or 24. Thelocking panel 10 can be hooked into or onto the intermediate panel atone end of the slot 6, then be clipped into position by a locking tab.Alternatively a locking tab can be used at both ends of the lockingpanel 10 as shown.

On the right hand side of the intermediate panel shown in FIG. 2, thelocking tab 12 is a sliding tab located in a slot 14 in the intermediatepanel 4. The tab 12 is spring loaded into the locking position by asmall coil spring 16. A hole 18 is cut into the locking tab to enable itto be gripped and actuated. The locking panel has a recess 20 (in theedge at one end) to receive the end of the locking tab when in positionin the slot. A lead-in feature such as a radius 22 or chamfer canoptionally be provided between the locking panel and the locking tab andis shown on the locking panel in FIG. 2. The locking tab 12 acts as adetent means, being resiliently deflected as the locking panel isinserted into the slot, then engaging with the locking panel when it isin the correct (ie loaded) position in the slot. Alternatively thelocking tab could be used as a friction mechanism which reduces partsthrough the elimination of the spring 16. However the friction operationwould require the user or operator to slide the locking tab into thelocking position engaged with the locking panel rather thanautomatically moving into place due to spring compression in theillustrated embodiment.

On the left hand side of the intermediate panel shown in FIG. 2, thelocking tab 24 is cut or formed in the intermediate panel 4 and has animproved function over the locking tab 12 while using fewer parts. Thetab 24 includes a deflecting arm 26 which is connected to, clamped in orformed in the intermediate panel 4. The profile 28 cut into (or formedin) the intermediate panel beside the locking tab 24 and deflecting arm26 allows the locking tab to move to allow the locking panel to beinserted or moved, the resilience of the deflecting arm 26 providing aspring force loading the locking tab 24 back into the locking position.A hole 18 is cut into the locking tab to enable it to be gripped andactuated. Recess 20 and lead-in radius 22 features are again provided onthe locking panel 10. Throughout this specification, like features maybe given like reference numerals.

A stop 30 is also provided on the locking panel 10 to prevent thelocking panel from being inserted too far through the slot 6 into theartwork pocket. The stop 30 could engage the body of the frame (such asthe intermediate panel 4) or the locking tab 12. However, in FIG. 2 thestop 30 is only shown on the left hand side and is also used as part ofan ejection mechanism. A resiliently deformable ejection arm 32 is showncut into the intermediate panel 4, although other forms of spring can beused.

FIG. 3 shows the locking panel 10 inserted into the slot in theintermediate panel 4, with a locking tab 24 and ejection arm 32 beingprovided at each end of the locking panel. The ejection arms 32 areresiliently deflected by the stops 30 on the locking panel. When thelocking tabs 24 are actuated outwards (apart from each other) todisengage from the locking panel, the ejection arms propel the lockingpanel outwards to at least partially eject it out of the slot. This canbe convenient as two hands are required to actuate the locking tabs 24.

FIG. 4 shows a back panel to suit the intermediate panels and lockingpanels of FIGS. 2 and 3. Holes 38 are provided to allow access throughthe back panel to the locking tabs 12 or 24, preferably to holes 18 toallow the locking tabs to be gripped and actuated. These access holes 38in the back panel can be shaped to guide the user in the operation ofthe locking tab mechanisms. For example the access holes 38 shown inFIG. 4 are in the shape of arrows pointing outwards to guide the user toslide the locking tabs away from each other to release the lockingmechanism.

Hanging holes 40 are also shown cut through the back panel 3 in FIG. 4.These can be shaped with a notched edge as is well known. Clearanceholes 42 or recesses can be provided in the intermediate panel and/orlocking panel as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The clearance holes 42 arealigned with and larger than the hanging holes 40 to accommodate thehead, end or other part of a hanging device such as a nail, screw orhook.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative improved locking mechanism in theintermediate panel 4 and locking panel 10. The locking mechanismincludes a detent clip 50 in each end of the locking panel.Corresponding detent clip sockets or recesses 52 are provided cut intothe edges of the slot in the intermediate panel 4. Each detent clip 50can be formed as an arc shaped member in an end of the locking panel asshown which does not increase the parts count (or can be a separatepiece of resilient material which can be fixed to the locking panel).The size of the gap 54 can be used to permit sufficient deflection ofthe detent clip 50 to allow the locking panel to pass into or out of theslot in the intermediate panel, and limit the maximum deflection of thedetent clip to prevent yield or failure. The profile 56 cut into orformed in the locking panel can be used provide some control of thedeflection of the detent clip. For example, the detent clip 50 isrequired to deflect in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the slotin which the detent clip socket 52 is formed, but deflection in thedirection of the edge of the slot can allow the detent clip 50 tochatter as the locking panel 10 is moved in the slot, so should beprevented or minimised.

Changing the locking mechanism from using the locking tabs 12 or 24 inFIGS. 2 and 3 to using one or more detent clips 50 in FIG. 5 can makethe mechanism easier to operate and/or eliminate the ejection arms 32.The locking tabs can need to be individually and simultaneously actuatedwhich takes two hands, which can require skill whilst also controllingthe release of the locking panel 10. In contrast, the detent clips donot require individual actuation, being released when sufficient forceis applied to the locking panel 10. The holes 48 are provided in thelocking panel to enable the user to exert the required force to releasethe locking panel. Using this locking mechanism, the action of grippingand sliding out the locking panel 10 provides full control of therelease of the locking panel.

FIG. 6 shows a back panel 3 for the intermediate panel and locking panelof FIG. 5. Holes 38 are provided in the back panel 3 in FIG. 6 toprovide access to holes 48 in the locking panel 10 of FIG. 5. Thisallows the locking panel 10 to be actuated, ie although the lockingpanel can be inserted into the slot from outside the frame, the accessholes 38 allow the user to access the gripping holes 48 in the lockingpanel 10 to slide the locking panel out of the slot.

Similarly, clearance holes 42 are provided in the intermediate panel andlocking panel in FIG. 5, corresponding to hanging holes 40 in the backpanel 3 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 shows a modification to the locking mechanism of FIG. 5. Althoughthe shape of the slot in the intermediate panel in FIG. 5 does notinclude features which could interfere with artwork sliding past as itis inserted or removed, it also does not provide a stop to prevent thelocking panel from being inserted too far (through the slot into theartwork pocket). In FIG. 7, a chamfer 58 is provided on the outer edgeof the slot with a mating protrusion 60 extending from the outer cornersof the locking panel to provide a stop limiting the insertion of thelocking panel 10 through the slot. The protrusion 60 also prevents thelocking panel being inserted incorrectly (with the outer edge towardsthe artwork) which is particularly significant if the gripping holes 48are eccentric as shown. The chamfer 58 also provides a lead-in to guidethe insertion of both artwork and the locking panel.

A further alternative locking mechanism is shown in FIG. 8, in which thedetent clip function of FIGS. 5 and 7 has been moved from the lockingpanel 10 to the intermediate panel 4. Deflecting arm 26 is formed in theintermediate panel by the profile 28 cut into the panel 4. The detentsocket or recess 52 is shown in the deflecting arms 26, withcorresponding detent protrusion(s) 64 being formed on the locking panel10. Two alternate deflecting arms are shown in FIG. 8 having similarfunction within the locking mechanism.

The chamfer 58 can be formed in the rigid outer edge of the intermediatepanel as shown on the left hand side of FIG. 8. In this case, thedeflecting arm 26 can include a radius or chamfer 66 on its upper edgeto ensure the sides of the slot 6 do not have any steps or edges thathinder the loading of artwork into the artwork pocket 5. Alternatively,the chamfer 58 can be cut into the deflecting arm as shown on the righthand side of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 shows a transparent insert 70 which can be inserted into theartwork pocket through the slot 6 of the display frame. It can be usedto cover the artwork like the glazing provided by the glass in aconventional picture frame. The transparent insert 70 can include aledge 72 on the edge inserted into the frame (ie opposite the edge ofthe transparent insert adjacent the locking panel when the display frameis assembled). The ledge 72 can be used to draw the artwork out of thepocket with the transparent insert. The transparent insert need not betotally transparent and could for example include a coloured border orbe tinted with a solid colour or image such as a watermark overlay of alogo.

Although holes 48 in the locking panel and 38 in the back panel areshown in FIGS. 5 to 8, to use to grip and eject the locking panel 10, itis possible to delete these features and simply use frictional gripbetween say a thumb and the transparent insert to slide the transparentinsert out of the frame, providing sufficient force to eject the lockingpanel. The transparent insert can also be used as a limit stop when theframe is assembled correctly so the provision of a separate limit stopfeature such as the chamfer 58 and mating protrusion 60 shown in FIG. 7is not always necessary.

The transparent insert can be joined to or formed as an integral part ofthe locking panel 10.

FIG. 10 shows shapes 80 formed into the edge of the window portion 7 ofthe front panel 2. An additional front panel 82 is also shown in FIG. 10and can optionally have a different colour to the front panel 2 (and theintermediate and/or back panels). Text or shapes can be cut or formed inthe front panel (and/or the additional front panel). The use ofdifferent coloured panels can allow such text or shapes to behighlighted. The front and/or additional front panels can therefore becustomised while retaining the same locking panel and other components.

As another variation or alternative to the three panel layeredconstruction (of front, intermediate and back panels), the intermediatepanel can be integrated with one or both of the back and front panels.In FIG. 11 the back panel 90 includes the intermediate panel featuresfrom FIG. 5 or FIG. 7 including the artwork pocket 5, the slot 6 and thedetent clip sockets or recesses 52, as well as the back panel featuresfrom FIG. 6 including the hanging hole 40 and access holes 38.

The display frame can also include a secondary display panel (not shown)to support secondary artwork, the secondary display panel being moveablebetween a concealed position where the secondary artwork is at leastsubstantially concealed and a revealed position where the secondaryartwork is at least substantially revealed. The secondary artwork canfor example be text explaining the background of any artwork displayedin the artwork pocket. The frame could incorporate such a secondarydisplay panel as disclosed in the Applicant's prior AustralianApplication number 2008207431, details of which are incorporated hereinby reference. Alternatively, a secondary display panel could beincorporated into the display frame using similar locking mechanisms tothose described above in relation to the locking panel. To this end theintegrated back panel and intermediate panel 90 in FIG. 11 also shows asecondary artwork pocket 92. Detent clip sockets 52 are provided at twopoints long each side of the artwork pocket. The detent clip socketsnearest the main artwork pocket 5 allow the secondary display panel tobe held in a concealed position. Stops or protrusions 94 on the outerends of the sides of the secondary artwork pocket 92 can be used toprevent the secondary display panel from being totally withdrawn fromthe display frame when assembled. The detent clip sockets 52 nearest thestops 94 can be used to hold the secondary display panel in the revealedposition if required, or they can be omitted.

The secondary display panel can include a handle or other protrudingdevice to permit the secondary display panel to be moved from theconcealed position to the revealed position. Alternatively, access holescan be provided in the back panel and/or the front panel and grippingholes or recesses can optionally be provided in or on the secondarydisplay panel to enable it to be moved from the concealed position.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative arrangement for displaying two pieces ofartwork in one frame. The intermediate panel 4 has two artwork pockets 5divided by a strip of material or bar 100. A notch or cut-out 102 in thelocking panel 10 can be used to receive and engage the end of the bar100. The end of the bar 100 and/or the edges of the cut-out 102 can bechamfered to ensure easy alignment when the locking panel 10 is beinginserted. The locking panel 10 closes both artwork pockets although twoindividual locking panels could be provided if required.

More artwork pockets can be provided by adding more horizontal bars 100.A vertical bar can be added to (for example) double the number ofartwork pockets, with the added artwork pockets being open to the leftside and closed by a second locking panel (or multiple locking panels,for example one for each pocket).

The intermediate panel 4 in FIG. 12 also has an irregular shape. Theroughly triangular wings 104 are an example of variations to theexternal profile of one or more layers of the frame (for example thefront panel, the intermediate panel where provided and/or the backpanel) which can be made to suit or incorporate a particular theme orlogo for example. The rectangular protrusion 106 extending from thelower edge of the frame is provided to permit the frame to be heldupright or at a reclined angle, the protrusion 106 being inserted into areceiving slot in a base (not shown). The rectangular protrusion 106 canbe provided in any or all of the layers of the frame. As shown theprotrusion can be of a different width than the main part of the frameand its width and height can be used to determine the position of thebase and help provide separation from the focal part of the border, logoor other outline or image formed by, on or in the front panel.

The intermediate panel shown in FIG. 13 includes a similar mountingprotrusion 106 extending into the base (not shown). However thethickness of material in the top right corner of the frame is low toprovide good strength for the deflecting arm arrangement shown in FIG.8. So in FIG. 13, the position of the deflecting part of the detentmechanism is swapped from the intermediate panel 4 to the locking panel10. The detent protrusion 64 is still provided on the locking panel 10and the detent socket 52 is still provided in the intermediate panel toensure that there are no parts intruding into the path of the artwork asit is slid into or out of the artwork pocket. Although limit stops arenot shown, they can be incorporated in similar positions to those inFIGS. 7 and 8 for example if required, and can be beneficial both toprotect the mechanism if the frame is assembled without a transparentinsert and to provide a guide when inserting artwork of similardimension to the artwork pocket.

As shown in previous Figures, any or all of the panels can have anyexternal profile. FIG. 14 shows in dashed line 112 the outline of thefront panel in the shape of an orang-utan hand. The window portion 7 inthe front panel is also shown by dashed line. The outer edge of thelocking panel 10 typically follows the outer profile of the front panelas shown (although this is not a necessity of the design). Theintermediate panel 4 can have a different colour to the front panel orbe transparent and can follow all or part of the outer profile 112 ofthe front panel. A tab or rectangular portion 114 is shown added to theleft of the hand profile in FIG. 14 and this can be used to addlabelling such as text or logos. The base mounting portion 106 is alsoshown although any mounting can be used. However if the base-mountingstand type of mounting or support is used, the back panel can have thesame profile as the front panel including the window portion 7 to allowboth sides of the artwork to be viewed, so different images may be usedto display on either side.

In many various of the frame shown and described herein the back panelcan include a window portion to permit the artwork to be lit frombehind, or to allow the artwork to be viewed from the reverse side.

The transparent insert can include front and rear transparent panels,held in relatively fixed relation to each other by the ledge. This canform a cartridge into which the artwork is placed and can beparticularly useful where the back panel includes a window portion intothe artwork pocket.

The locking mechanisms of FIGS. 2 and 3 can use the locking tabs 12 or24 designed or shaped to operate like the detent type mechanisms ofFIGS. 5, 7, 8, 12, 13 and 14 using detent clips 50 or arms 58. If thelocking tabs are shaped to allow detent type operation, the lockingpanel can be ejected single-handedly (as previously discussed usingfrictional grip between a thumb and the transparent insert to slide thetransparent insert out of the frame, providing sufficient force to ejectthe locking panel) rather than requiring two hands to operate twopositive lock type locking tabs. Alterations to the shape of thecomponents and features are envisaged whilst maintaining thefunctionality essential for the operation of the invention. These areconsidered to fall within the scope of the invention described in thisapplication, as are any combinations of the features disclosed in theabove description.

1. A display frame including at least a back panel, a front panel and anartwork pocket formed between the back panel and the front panel, thefront panel providing a border around an opening or window to theartwork pocket, wherein: there is provided a slot disposed in an edge ofthe frame to permit artwork to be slid into and out of the artworkpocket, and there provided a locking panel which fits into the slot toclose the artwork pocket.
 2. A display frame according to claim 1wherein the frame comprises at least three layers, including a frontlayer including the front panel, an intermediate layer and a back layerincluding the back panel, the intermediate layer including a locationpanel providing three edges of the artwork pocket the intermediate layerfurther including the locking panel providing a fourth edge of theartwork pocket.
 3. A display frame according to claim 1 wherein thefront panel and back panel are directly or indirectly fixed to eachother forming a main body of the display frame.
 4. A display frameaccording to claim 3 wherein the display frame includes at least onelocking means or retaining means between at least a first end of thelocking panel and a first end of the slot in the main body.
 5. A displayframe according to claim 4 wherein the or each locking or retainingmeans includes a locking tab slidably located in an edge of the slot orslidably located in the locking panel, the or each said locking tabbeing slidable between a first position in which the locking tab isengaged in only an edge of the slot or the locking panel and a secondposition in which the locking tab is engaged in both an edge of the slotand the locking panel.
 6. A display frame according to claim 4 whereinthe or each locking means includes a detent protrusion on an edge of thelocking panel and a deflecting arm including a detent socket in the edgeof the slot, the deflecting arm being resiliently deformable to enabledeflection of the detent protrusion as the locking panel is fitted intothe slot, the deflection of the detent protrusion being reduced oreliminated when the detent means is aligned with the detent socket andthe locking panel is inserted into an assembled position in the slot. 7.A display frame according to claim 4 wherein the or each locking meansincludes a detent protrusion on an edge of the locking panel and adeflecting arm including a detent socket in an edge of the slot, thedeflecting arm being resiliently deformable to enable deflection of thedetent socket as the locking panel is fitted into the slot, thedeflection of the deflecting arm being reduced or eliminated when thedetent protrusion is aligned with the detent socket and the lockingpanel is inserted into an assembled position in the slot.
 8. A displayframe according to claim 4 wherein the at least one locking means orretaining means is a locking or retaining means between the first end ofthe locking panel and the first end of the slot in the main body andwherein there is provided a locating means between a second end of thelocking panel and a second end of the slot in the main body.
 9. Adisplay frame according to claim 4 wherein the at least one lockingmeans or retaining means includes a first locking or retaining meansbetween the first end of the locking panel and the first end of the slotin the main body and a second locking or retaining means between asecond end of the locking panel and a second end of the slot in the mainbody.
 10. A display frame according to claim 4 further including atleast one access hole in the back panel for each locking means and/orthe locking panel, the or each respective access hole allowing therespective locking means or the locking panel to be operated.
 11. Adisplay frame according to claim 4, further including at least oneejection means, the ejection means being resiliently deformable toenable deflection of the ejection means as the locking panel is fittedinto the slot such that when the locking panel is inserted into anassembled position in the slot, the ejection means has a deflection andwhen the locking panel is removed from the slot, the ejection means hassubstantially zero deflection.
 12. A display frame according to claim 6wherein said deflection is limited.
 13. A display frame as claimed inclaim 4 wherein the slot has smooth shaped edges to avoid interferencewith artwork being slid into or out of the artwork pocket.
 14. A displayframe according to claim 1 further including a transparent insertcovering artwork in the artwork pocket.
 15. A display frame according toclaim 14 wherein the transparent insert is removable from the artworkpocket through the slot when the locking panel is removed.
 16. A displaypanel as claimed in claim 14 wherein the transparent insert is fixed toor forms an integral part of the locking panel.
 17. A display frameaccording to claim 15 wherein the transparent insert includes a ridgealong a side opposite the side of the transparent insert adjacent thelocking panel, said ridge extending towards the back panel.
 18. Adisplay frame according to claim 15 wherein the transparent insert is atray or cartridge for receiving artwork.
 19. A display frame accordingto claim 1 further including a chamfer on at least one outer edge of theslot.
 20. A display frame according to claim 1 further including asecondary display panel to support secondary artwork, the secondarydisplay panel being moveable between a concealed position where thesecondary artwork is at least substantially concealed and a revealedposition where the secondary artwork is at least substantially revealed.21. A display frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the front panelincludes a transparent portion inside the border.
 22. A display frame asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the back panel includes a window portion, theback panel forming a border panel around a reverse side of at least aportion of the artwork pocket.
 23. A display frame according to claim 1further including at least one additional front panel.
 24. A displayframe according to claim 1 wherein shapes and/or text characters are cutinto the border and/or extend into the opening of the front panel.
 25. Adisplay frame according to claim 1 further including a base having aslot or recess to receive a lower end of at least the back panel and/orfront panel of the display frame.
 26. A frame for displaying artwork,the frame including: a front border, a backplate, a pocket to receivethe artwork between the front border and the back plate, a slot disposedin an edge of the frame, the slot being substantially aligned with thepocket such that the slot provides access to the pocket; wherein thereis provided a locking plate receivable in the slot, the locking plateclosing the pocket to retain an artwork contained therein.
 27. A frameas claimed in claim 26 wherein the locking plate is retained in the slotby a detent mechanism.
 28. A frame as claimed in claim 27 furtherincluding at least one hole in the back plate to enable operation of thedetent mechanism.
 29. A frame as claimed in claim 26 further includingholes in the locking plate, and further including holes in the backplatepartially aligned with the holes in the locking plate and extendingtowards an edge of the frame to enable the locking plate to be ejectedfrom the slot.
 30. A display frame according to claim 27, furtherincluding a transparent insert covering artwork in the artwork pocket.31. A display frame according to claim 30 wherein the transparent insertis movable from the artwork pocket through the slot when the lockingpanel is removed.
 32. A display panel as claimed in claim 30 wherein thetransparent insert is fixed to or forms an integral part of the lockingpanel.
 33. A display panel as claimed in claim 30 wherein thetransparent insert is accessible through a hole in the front border toenable an external force to be applied to the transparent insert in thedirection of the slot to thereby enable the locking plate to be ejectedfrom the slot.
 34. A display frame as claimed in claim 27 wherein thedetent mechanism includes at least one detent means, the or each detentmeans including a detent socket provided in an edge of the slot and adeflecting arm including a detent protrusion provided in the lockingpanel, the deflecting arm being resiliently deformable to enabledeflection of the detent means as the locking panel is fitted into theslot, the deflection of the deflecting arm being reduced or eliminatedwhen the detent protrusion is aligned with the detent socket and thelocking panel is inserted into an assembled position in the slot.
 35. Adisplay frame as claimed in claim 27 in the detent mechanism includes atleast one detent means, the or each detent means including a detentprotrusion provided in the locking panel and a deflecting aim includinga detent socket provided in the edge of the slot, the deflecting armbeing resiliently deformable to enable deflection of the detent socketas the locking panel is fitted into the slot, the deflection of thedeflecting arm being reduced or eliminated when the detent protrusion isaligned with the detent socket and the locking panel is inserted into anassembled position in the slot.
 36. A display frame according to claim34 wherein said deflection is limited.
 37. A display frame as claimed inclaim 27 wherein edges of the slot are relatively smooth and do notprotrude into a path followed by artwork being placed in or removed fromthe artwork pocket.
 38. A display frame according to claim 27 whereinthe detent mechanism includes a detent means between a first end of thelocking panel and a first end of the slot in the main body and whereinthere is provided a locating means between a second end of the lockingpanel and a second end of the slot in the main body.
 39. A display frameaccording to claim 27 wherein the decent mechanism includes a firstdetent means between a first end of the locking panel and a first end ofthe slot in the main body and a second detent means between a second endof the locking panel and a second end of the slot in the main body. 40.A display frame according to claim 27 wherein the back panel includes awindow portion, the back panel forming a border panel around a reverseside of the artwork.